Tip: Travel Early

It was Thursday before the weekend of the NCA competition in Dallas Texas. I was traveling thru Dulles airport in Washington DC waiting for my plane to arrive. There was an unexpected flight that landed. I watched the passengers unload and started seeing backpacks with bows,cheer blankets and cheer gym shirts. Hardly any of the passengers were happy about this delay. Casually, I asked a mom where they were headed and if it was for a cheer competition. She replied “Dallas, TX for the NCA.” I said good luck to her girls as they found a place to sit. Over the next hour and half I watched the airline agent offer a free meal for inconvenience and then cancel the flight due to mechanical issues. During this time the moms were on their phones trying to make travel arrangement to get to TX that night or early in the morning. Even when the kids started to get upset the moms reminded them that they will get there on time for the competition and the fun activities with the team. In the end everyone was able to get an early flight out on Friday morning and would arrive on time.

Tip: Travel Early–the planning of these four cheerleading families included traveling a day early. This is good for the reason above, room for other hiccups and rest. Other hiccups can include flat tires, sickness, missed flights or hotel mix ups. Everyone understands the need for not only the cheerleader to rest, but also the parents and coaches. Proper rest cuts down emotional breakdowns and stress. Remember when traveling far for a competition travel early. Are there other travel tips that you do? Leave a comment below.